Jon Gruden / Image: Zuma Press

Coach Gruden is describing the experience as “life-changing” for himself and his colleagues:

“You can read about what our troops are doing over here or you can watch reports on television, but none of that can compare to being here with them. It’s inspiring. I think sometimes people forget the role our military plays in keeping our country safe. There is the Air Force, the Navy and the Army all working together tirelessly, putting in long hours every day so far away from home. I’ll never think about military service the same way after seeing it up close this week. It’s been a life-changing experience for all of us.”

What better day than July 4 to remember our troops and thank them for protecting our freedoms.

Source: ESPN.com

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NFL Coaches Inspired by USO Trip

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

How many professional sports leagues can pinpoint the exact spot, the exact day, even the exact time they “arrived?” The National Football League can: Yankee Stadium, December 28, 1958, 4:51 PM. Fifty years ago this December 28 — the final day of the 2008 NFL regular season — what would become known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played” took place — the 1958 NFL Championship Game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York City. And when Colts fullback Alan Ameche burst through a hole for a one-yard touchdown with 6:45 left in overtime — at 4:51 on a foggy, drizzly day — he took the National Football League with him into a new era. The NFL would never be the same. America had discovered it.

It may be hard for today’s young sports fan to believe, but 50 years ago, the sports scene — and the NFL — was vastly different. There was no SportsCenter, no internet (and therefore no EMQB), no sports-talk radio, no fantasy football. The “X-Games” didn’t exist because, for most Americans, there were no “alternative” games. Baseball was the No. 1 sport with fans. Then came this late-winter nationally televised NFL epic between larger-than-life teams featuring picturesque names like “Huff” and “Katcavage” and “Unitas” in a game that surged back and forth into the first sudden-death overtime in NFL title game history.

Here’s a heads-up for you. You can watch this game — digitally restored and colorized by ESPN Films in association with NFL Films — on ESPN next weekend — Saturday, December 13 at 9 p.m. ET. I’m not so sure it was the greatest NFL game ever played, but it was probably the most important.

Source: NFL Media

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’ Remembered Fifty Years Later

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

N.Y. Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora will miss the 2008 season with a torn MCL. He injured his left knee in the second quarter of the Giants 10-7 preseason loss to the N.Y. Jets last night. So not only are the defending Super Bowl champs missing one of their Pro Bowl defensive ends (Michael Strahan to retirement), they’re now missing both of them with this devastating injury.

It was a sickening sight to see Osi’s left knee buckle on a play where he was simply rushing the quarterback. It looked like his foot caught in the turf and the next thing you know, he’s on the ground in a heap — season over. I know it’s part of the game and you see it every preseason, but it’s a really difficult injury to deal with because of the long recovery time. Osi is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday and head coach Tom Coughlin said on a conference call yesterday that the recovery period could be four months. I think that’s being extremely optimistic, but it’s what the doctors are telling him and they certainly know more than I do. I’ll still say if he’s 100% for the start of the 2009 season, the Giants will be fortunate.

Source: Giants.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Osi Umenyiora Tears MCL, Season Over

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

What does winning the Super Bowl do for your job security? In Tom Coughlin’s case, it gives you four more years of employment. The N.Y. Giants head coach agreed to terms of a $21 million contract today that will make him one of the NFL’s highest paid coaches. He got a raise of $2 million per year.

I couldn’t be more in favor of this promotion. Coach Coughlin (and his staff) did an absolutely masterful job in preparing their team down the stretch of the 2007 season and into the playoffs. Just the other day I was thinking how still in disbelief I am that the Giants are Super Bowl champs. They went from mediocre to unbeatable seemingly overnight. And Coach Coughlin was on the verge of losing his job after the Giants went 8-8 in 2006 and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. How quickly things change. And how quickly Tom Coughlin went from virtually fired to rehired.

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N.Y. Giants Reward Tom Coughlin With Four-Year Contract After Super Bowl Win

The winter storm that has an icy grip on Indianapolis has slowed things down outside. But as promised, today was a whirlwind of activity around the Media Work Room here at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine. The players being shuttled in and out were mostly wide receivers, running backs and quarterbacks.

My day was really one big press conference with a few of my own interviews thrown in for good measure. I took part in every head coach presser — Tom Coughlin (Giants), Brad Childress (Vikings), Gary Kubiak (Texans), Tony Dungy (Colts), Herm Edwards (Chiefs), Scott Linehan (Rams), Jim Zorn (Redskins), Jack Del Rio (Jags), Mike McCarthy (Packers) and Romeo Crennel (Browns).

Several team VIPs were also speaking with the media — Packers GM Ted Thompson, Texans GM Rick Smith, Redskins VP of Football Ops Vinny Cerrato, Jags VP of Player Personnel James Harris, Browns GM Phil Savage and Rams Executive VP of Player Personnel Bill Devaney.

We also had a surprise guest — Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis who recently signed a new three-year contract with the team. Jamal said he wants to play three more years and finish his career as a Cleveland Brown. He was thankful the team gave him that opportunity. He just wants to help the Browns get to the Super Bowl and feels they are making strides to get there. When asked how much gas he had left in his proverbial tank, he said:

“I’ve been answering that question for the last three years. I’m the old Jamal. A lot of gas is left in the tank. I work hard in the offseason to prepare myself for a 20-to-24-game season. I’m healthy and when I’m healthy I’m a good Jamal.”

Coach Childress gave some great insight into the career of Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson. While Tarvaris had an up-and-down 2007 season, his second half play in a loss to the Broncos in the final game of the season was what the team would look for mentality and physically next fall. Coach said he looked forward to Tarvaris logging more games in his third season as a starter. Personally, I think I would’ve pulled the plug by now. But I would like to see Tarvaris succeed. He certainly needs to keep working on his mechanics and he needs to be more consistent. Coach Childress also mentioned that DE Kenechi Udeze, who is battling a form of leukemia, told him: “Coach, this is nothing more than a cold. I’m gonna beat this.”

That would have been a full day in itself. But the offensive skill position players were in and out of the Media Work Room all day as well. Big names that are expected to be called very early in this upcoming Draft — like Matt Ryan (Boston College), Darren McFadden (Arkansas), Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) and Mario Manningham (Michigan) — all stopped by for a visit. And Brian Brohm (Louisville), who hopes to have a great Combine workout to challenge Matt Ryan for the top QB spot, felt his game was NFL-ready:

“I think the system I was in is going to help me tremendously to play in the NFL. Under Coach Petrino, it was pretty much the same type of system the New York Giants run. It’s where he got the offense when he was with Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville. We were in that system for three years. Then we switched over to a more accountable one back spread with zone running my last year. But just being able to adjust to new systems and being in a pro style system, I think is going to help me out a lot.”

I couldn’t agree more, but I don’t think he’ll be able to do enough to be the first QB taken in April. I think this is a solid group of QBs. The aforementioned Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm. Kentucky’s Andre Woodson. Michigan’s Chad Henne. USC’s John David Booty. Hawaii’s Colt Brennan. These guys were superstars in college and I feel like they can make an impact in the NFL.

Finally, what better way to end the day than to slide (literally — remember, I’m stuck in the middle of a winter storm here in Indy) four blocks down Maryland Ave. to Conseco Fieldhouse for the Pacers/Nets game. A special thanks to Pacers Director of Media Relations David Benner for the hook-up. By the way, Indiana won 113-103. (Check out our Sports Channel’s NBA blog — NBA Obsessed takes you into the hit and run game of NBA Basketball.)

Additional Photos by David Kindervater

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Scouting Combine 2008: Day Two

The Giants completed their final practice before Super Bowl XLII, a roughly 50-minute walk-through session in which all players participated. In my final pool report of the week (Mike Sando was filling in for John Clayton), it was noted that WR Plaxico Burress, unable to practice this week due to ankle and knee injuries, participated in the walk-through without limitation. The walk-through began with an abbreviated stretching session, followed by special teams, defense and offense. Head coach Tom Coughlin said:

“We’re excited and we’re ready to go. It’s been a nice week in terms of working up to (the game) and we find ourselves right here, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Team president John Mara and general manager Jerry Reese watched from the sideline under sunny skies at the Arizona Cardinals’ practice facility in Tempe. Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, an inspirational figure for the Giants this season, watched from the sideline with his son, Jaelen. The elder Gadson, who lost both legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq, served an an honorary team captain, along with Hall of Famer Harry Carson, for the team’s NFC Championship Game win over Green Bay. The G-Men will need all the inspiration they can get as they try to knock of the (still) undefeated New England Patriots tomorrow.

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N.Y. Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin: ‘We’re Excited and Ready to Go’

N.Y. Giants WR Plaxico Burress is officially listed as questionable for Super Bowl XLII because of his injured right ankle and swelling in his left knee. Plax went down on the injury report as “did not practice” although according to my pool report from John Clayton, he tried to do some things in the individual portion of today’s 80-minute practice at the Arizona Cardinals’ headquarters. Plax stretched and loosened up with his teammates and for the first time since arriving in Phoenix, he ran a few routes in drills to test out his legs. Head coach Tom Coughlin said:

“He did run a few things in individual. He ran a couple of slants. He took a play in the ‘green’ zone and that was about all we did with him. He’s improved. He’s done it all year under all kinds of circumstances. We’ve just got to be hopeful he can do it one more time.”

I suppose that’s the best way the Giants can look at this situation with their top wide receiver, but it doesn’t sound good. As I’ve said before, and as Coach Coughlin commented, Plax has done this all year (played without practicing). I believe the Giants absolutely need him, though, to have any shot in this game.

Elsewhere, DE Osi Umenyiora missed today’s practice with a sore thigh. He’s listed as probable. CB Kevin Dockery, who missed four of the past five games with a hip flexor, had his second consecutive full day of practice and is probable. And G Rich Seubert, who injured a knee in the second half of the NFC Championship Game, had his second full day of practice this week and is also probable.

With a walkthrough scheduled tomorrow at the Cardinals’ facility, Coach Coughlin felt good about the team’s three days of work in Phoenix. He described practices as energetic and enthusiastic. The Giants will need a lot of both, and 53 healthy bodies, if they are to knock off the unbeaten Patriots.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

N.Y. Giants Continue SBXLII Practices, Plaxico Burress Listed As ‘Questionable’

N.Y. Giants WR Plaxico Burress is struggling. According to my pool report from fellow PFWA member John Clayton, Plax missed today’s workout because of swelling and soreness in his left knee. This, of course, was on the heels of missing yesterday’s practice with his chronic right ankle injury. Each day, he suited up and played some catch and tried to get some work in, but wasn’t able to. Initially, I sort of dismissed the whole thing because Plax has been like this all season, but now I’m wondering if it is something to be concerned about. Head coach Tom Coughlin said:

“He has an ankle that always has been a problem, but he also has some issues with a knee that off and on in the past has bothered him. That’s the thing right now. Between the two of them, that’s why he’s not working. He comes out and tries to go and can’t go.”

For a second straight day, the Giants were fired up to be practicing and had lots of energy in their nearly two-hour workout. A noise machine was used to simulate some of the distractions the Giants will face during the Super Bowl. The volume wasn’t cranked up as much as it would be for a normal road game, but Coach Coughlin indicated the players like to practice at times with the noise:

“The energy level has been really high. They were obviously flying around pretty good. I thought the execution was okay. We’re moving toward the game. We’re getting there. We’re sure getting there.”

Here’s an interesting comparison three days away from Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots say they’re as ready as they’re going to be. The Giants say they’re getting there. I guess it doesn’t really matter who’s ready yesterday, today or tomorrow. The team that’s the most prepared on Sunday will walk away happy.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

N.Y. Giants Continue Spirited Workouts, Plaxico Burress Hampered by Leg Injuries

The N.Y. Giants held their first Super Bowl practice today at the AZ Cardinals practice facility in Tempe and all players were present and accounted for, although not every player participated in a full practice (CB Kevin Dockery, G Rich Seubert). WR Plaxico Burress didn’t work out at all, which is nothing new. He hasn’t practiced much all season. The team donned shorts and shells according to my pool report from fellow PFWA scribe and ESPN football professor John Clayton. This is the way they’ve worked for the past six weeks. Why change now? Head coach Tom Coughlin liked what he saw from his squad:

“We had good energy. Obviously you’d like to squeeze all the detail work down and make sure everything is perfect. I thought the energy was good, which I expected. They are excited. No doubt about it.”

The Giants are, indeed, a confident and excited bunch. And from what I saw of their practice, they were having fun with this opportunity. They seem loose and relaxed. And they absolutely believe they belong here and can beat the seemingly unbeatable Patriots. This makes them a very dangerous team that could pull the upset if the ball bounces their way Sunday.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Giants Hold Upbeat First SBXLII Practice

By the time the N.Y. Giants took the field, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect after my experience with the Patriots. And as a result, I feel I had a better session with the G-Men. As much as Tom Brady was getting most of the attention for the Pats, Giants QB Eli Manning and DE Michael Strahan were pretty much split in their popularity for New York. Both of them appeared to handle the adoration very well. Michael seems to thrive on his popularity. And he’s usually joking and having fun, even when talking about what the Super Bowl means to him:

“If we win the game, I’m supposed to quit (laughs)? I’ve done everything personally that I feel like I can do — awards, honors — that sort of thing. The only thing I haven’t done is the ultimate thing, which is to win a Super Bowl.”

At the podiums/risers for the Giants were Antonio Pierce, Justin Tuck, Plaxico Burress, Tom Coughlin, Jeff Feagles, Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer, Shaun O’Hara and Osi Umenyiora. In special sections in the stands were offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Lawrence Tynes, chairman/executive VP/co-owner Steve Tisch, GM Jerry Reese, president/CEO/co-owner John Mara and Sam Madison.

For the BIGPLAY Radio NFL Podcast, I spoke with Sinorice Moss, Corey Webster, Kareem McKenzie, Ahmad Bradshaw, James Butler and Steve Smith. What I couldn’t believe was the attention kicker Lawrence Tynes was getting. He didn’t just have a small gathering around him. He was mobbed. In fact, for one full hour, I couldn’t even see him from the front. I had to go around behind the crowd to get a picture. So, I never got my questions in for LT. I also really wanted to talk to DB Aaron Ross, but I never actually saw him. I roamed almost constantly and never saw him once. Perhaps he was still feeling some ill effects from the flu he reportedly had.

I felt I had enough audio so with 10 minutes left, I just focused on taking pics. When time was up, the Giants headed to the field for their team photo and I climbed the stadium stairs to the parking lot for my 20-minute shuttle ride back downtown to the Convention Center. Before I exited, I turned around to look back at the inside of the stadium. I visualized five days into the future when this very place will be on the eyes of over 90 million people. Wow. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of from my perspective. I can only imagine how excited the players are.

(Note: I would later learn that I was captured on Giants center Shaun O’Hara’s personal video coverage for NFL Network. I’m listening to R.W. McQuarters as the cam passes by us. The whole thing was also saved on NFL.com. See if you can spot me for the two seconds I’m on.)

Photos by David Kindervater

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SBXLII Media Day: N.Y. Giants